Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and its subsidiary company, Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries Limited joined the rest of their stakeholders in the maritime industry in celebrating the World Maritime Day at the Fiji Maritime Academy on October 12.

This year, the World Maritime Day theme was “Connecting Ships, Ports and People” which reaffirms that shipping is the lifeline of Pacific Island countries and it is crucial for trade, and impacts upon virtually all aspects of socio-economic and sustainable development.

The theme was chosen as a way to focus on the many diverse actors involved in the shipping and logistical areas and to emphasise the critical link between shipping, ports and people as a platform for job opportunities, prosperity and a sustainable resource community.

SPC deputy director general, Audrey Aumua noted the importance of recognising the key role of maritime development to the organisation saying “the port and maritime sectors can be wealth creators, both on land and at sea.”